Ask the Author: Jasmine Aimaq
Answered Questions (7)
Jasmine Aimaq
Because the people were afraid to be sheep, they could not tell the difference between following and participating, or between liberty and selfishness, and so they refused to make small changes in their lives that might have saved others from suffering and pain.
And the irony was that they failed to see that they themselves had become blind followers, rallying around demagogues and cynics whose lies they embraced, until one day their world was an inferno of fires, plagues, and wars from which there was no refuge, and as life as they knew it ended, until their last tortured breath they swore it was the other man’s fault.
And the irony was that they failed to see that they themselves had become blind followers, rallying around demagogues and cynics whose lies they embraced, until one day their world was an inferno of fires, plagues, and wars from which there was no refuge, and as life as they knew it ended, until their last tortured breath they swore it was the other man’s fault.
Jasmine Aimaq
I don't. if I'm blocked, I'm blocked. I am no good at pushing through that. Fortunately, what I think is a block is often just laziness. Let's call it inertia, because that sounds nicer. If I start writing, or just doing research on a topic, the momentum often comes. It's like exercise: once you get going, you realize that getting into your gym clothes was the hard part.
Jasmine Aimaq
The best thing is that you make something that is completely unique. Every story is a singular creation. But that is also what makes it scary; all of a sudden, lots of people are going to be commenting on this thing that is intensely personal to you.
Jasmine Aimaq
When I teach Creative Writing, I emphasize this above all: learn the craft. Writing novels is a specific skill with rules, and virtually all successful books reflect this. It's great if you have lots of natural talent and instincts for this, but go read some good books about how to write good books.
In addition, find out which time of day you are most creative, and if possible, carve that time out. For me, it is night-time. If I could not write late into the night, I don't think I would get anything done.
In addition, find out which time of day you are most creative, and if possible, carve that time out. For me, it is night-time. If I could not write late into the night, I don't think I would get anything done.
Jasmine Aimaq
My second novel involves medical themes as well an immigrant story, and is set in Los Angeles and an area of Afghanistan that saw heavy combat a few years ago. Unlike The Opium Prince, it is set more in the US than abroad and doesn't delve into politics as much. At least that's how it's looking so far! My agent is hoping I'll have the draft to him by summer 2021.
Jasmine Aimaq
I don't really write by inspiration. I write almost on auto-pilot in major spurts. I'm a binge-writer. I'll tell myself it's time to write, and then I'll really be on for weeks or months, writing non-stop. Then I won't write for weeks at time.
Jasmine Aimaq
I had thought about this book since 9/11, but the idea took a long time to mature because I didn't want to write a book where the American war, and terrorism, were front and center. There are other stories to tell. Afghanistan started fading from the headlines, even as the opiate epidemic grew, and that convergence finally seeded the themes and plot for The Opium Prince.
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